Officer briefly dragged during arrest

By Bill Vidonic, Times Staff

Thursday

Mar 19, 2009 at 12:01 AM

FRANKLIN TWP. ó A Franklin Township police officer was briefly dragged by a motorist during a drunken-driving arrest Wednesday night that ended in a crash between the officerís vehicle and the defendantís, according to police.

Gordon W. Baumgardner, 24, of 311 Thompson Run, North Sewickley Township, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.

According to a Franklin Township police report, township officer Frank Pope found Baumgardner driving on Mecklem Lane around 10 p.m. after another motorist reported Baumgardner was driving recklessly.

Pope approached Baumgardnerís car, and as he reached into the car to try to open the driverís door, Baumgardner drove away, and Pope was dragged several feet until his hand popped free, police said.

Police said Popeís right foot was brushed by a tire as he got clear of the car. Pope then got back in his police cruiser and started to chase Baumgardner.

Baumgardner sped to the intersection of River Road and Route 488, and nearly hit a car, police said. Popeís cruiser then hit Baumgardnerís car, police said, causing minor damage to both vehicles.

The report did not say whether Pope was treated for any injuries. The report also did not list a blood-alcohol level for Baumgardner, or say what drugs police believe he was on at the time of the incident.

Baumgardner was released on his promise to return for future court hearings.

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